A surge in early holiday bookings is being linked to the prolonged spell of wet and grey weather, with travel agents reporting a sharp rise in people planning getaways for next winter.
After weeks of relentless rain and overcast skies, many Irish holidaymakers appear to be seeking something sunnier to look forward to. Travel companies say inquiries are translating into confirmed bookings — particularly for January and February 2026.
According to Travel Counsellors Ireland, the first two weeks of February recorded a significant uplift in sales compared to the same period last year. Managing Director Cathy Burke said bookings were up 13% year-on-year, reflecting strong consumer appetite despite broader economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
“Everybody’s just so miserable looking out the window, you can’t even go for a walk,” Ms Burke said. “All they want is sunshine and something to look forward to, so I do believe the weather’s having a big impact.”
While it is difficult to determine whether the spike is purely weather-related or linked to post-January pay packets, agents say the trend is unmistakable. The Irish Daily Mail reports that some agencies have “never seen so many people booking breaks so far ahead.”
Cruises are emerging as one of the standout growth areas for 2026. Ocean cruise bookings are up 20% year-on-year, while river cruising has jumped by an impressive 60%, driven by all-inclusive value and early-booking incentives. Agents say families and solo travellers alike are embracing cruise options for their combination of convenience and competitive pricing.
Spain — including the Canary Islands — remains a firm favourite, alongside Morocco and cruise holidays for winter sun. For longer-haul travellers, the United States continues to attract strong interest, with destinations such as Florida, Nevada, Nashville and California performing well.
Despite some concerns around political developments in the US, travel experts say demand remains resilient. An Aer Lingus survey conducted in January found that 34% of respondents are planning a trip to the US, Canada or Mexico in 2026, with a further 22% considering it. However, only 10% had booked at that point, suggesting further growth potential.
Tour America founder Mary McKenna said media headlines can cause temporary dips in inquiries, but value for money ultimately drives decisions. “Irish people do look for value and they’re going to get value right now,” she said, pointing to favourable exchange rates and competitive airfares.
Another emerging trend is the rise of so-called “coolcations,” with travellers opting for milder destinations such as Norway and Denmark to avoid peak summer heat in southern Europe.
However, for many booking now, the motivation is far simpler: escaping the rain. With the country experiencing near-daily downpours so far this year, travel agents say the desire for guaranteed sunshine next winter is proving impossible to resist.
As one agent put it, “People just want something bright in the calendar.”
